DALTON, John (1766-1844) - photo 1
DALTON, John (1766-1844) - photo 2
DALTON, John (1766-1844) - photo 3
DALTON, John (1766-1844) - photo 4
DALTON, John (1766-1844) - photo 5
DALTON, John (1766-1844) - photo 6

DALTON, John (1766-1844)

Lot 197
12.07.2023 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
£ 15 120
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 993261
Lot 197 | DALTON, John (1766-1844)
Estimate value
£ 12 000 – 18 000
DALTON, John (1766-1844)

A new system of Chemical Philosophy. Manchester: by S. Russell [Vol. I, Part 2: by Russell & Allen] for R. Bickerstaff, London, 1808-1810; [Vol. II:] Manchester: by the executors of S. Russell for George Wilson, London, 1827.

First edition of Dalton’s classic work on the atomic theory of matter, very rare when complete with all three parts. Presentation inscription in volume 2 to Dalton’s close friend “Peter Clare with best respects from the Author”. ‘Dalton reconstructed Newton's speculations on the structure of matter, and, applying them in a new form to chemistry, gave Lavoisier's reformation of that science a deeper significance’ (PMM). Dalton maintained that all matter was composed of indestructible and indivisible atoms of various weights, each weight corresponding to one of the chemical elements. These atoms remained unchanged during chemical processes, and their particular weight determined their identity. His New System presented the first chemical atomic theory giving significance to the relative weights of the ultimate particles of all known compounds. It also provided a quantitative explanation of the phenomena of chemical reaction. ‘He developed a system of chemical symbols and a table [plate 4 in part 1] showing the relative weights of the atoms of a list of elements. From his principles he deduced the law of definite proportions and the law of multiple proportions’ (Dibner). Dibner Heralds of Science 44; Duveen, p. 156; Grolier/Horblit 22; Partington III, pp. 799-813; PMM 261; Norman 575.



3 parts in 2 volumes [volume I parts 1-2 and volume II, part 1; all published], octavo (205 x 122mm and 224 x 132mm). Half-title in volume 2, 8 engraved plates, letterpress tables in the text, 3 pp. of advertisements at end of volume 2, occasional pencil annotations and notes, some in shorthand (repaired tear to Ss [Vol. I], some browning to text and plates). Bindings: volume 1: contemporary tree calf (neatly rebacked in sheep with spine and labels uniform with volume 2, corners and edges rubbed); volume 2: contemporary sheep-backed marbled boards, uncut (neatly rebacked with spine and labels matching volume 1). Provenance: Volume I: Charles Cumber, 1819 (d. 1853, an educator in Manchester and close friend of Dalton; pencil signature and date on preliminary free endpaper and possibly the pencil annotations and notes). Volume II: Peter Clare (1781-1851; close friend of Dalton, Clare was the son of Peter Clare, who was one of Manchester’s best known clock makers; Peter Clare Jr. was Vice-President of the Literary and Philosophical Society, active opponent of slavery and member of the Society of Friends; presentation inscription on half-title 'Peter Clare with best respects from the author') — Robert Jackson (letter to his cousin Richard Moss in Ireland about sending him surplus books, including 'Dalton’s New System of Chemistry [sic], vol. 2nd with author’s presentation autograph to Peter Clare: I knew them both', 3 page autograph letter signed, 7 November 1870, on headed paper 'Waterend, Cockermouth') — Richard Moss (gift of Robert Jackson).





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